Powerful Movies About The Holocaust

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Updated May 17, 2024 123.2K views 72 items
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Filmmakers have tried to depict the harrowing events of the Holocaust through cinematic works. As these directors navigate the complexities of human emotions and historical tragedy, they craft powerful Holocaust movies that resonate with audiences worldwide. These films serve as important windows into the past, showcasing diverse experiences within the broader narrative of this devastating period in history. 

In an effort to portray the Holocaust through storytelling, these films explore themes such as survival, resilience, compassion, and human cruelty. With evocative characters and compelling ideologies woven throughout each story, the best Holocaust movies are not only historically accurate but also deeply moving and thoughtfully constructed. They create a lasting impact on viewers by shedding light on the atrocities committed during this time while also celebrating acts of courage amidst despair. 

Top examples of exceptional Holocaust movies include: Schindler's List - a masterful depiction of Oskar Schindler's efforts to save Jewish lives during World War II; The Pianist - a gripping tale of survival and artistic triumph set against the backdrop of Nazi-occupied Warsaw; and The Boy in the Striped Pajamas - an emotional journey exploring innocence lost amidst unimaginable cruelty. Each film offers profound insights into life during this horrific era. 

As we consider these poignant examples, it becomes apparent that Holocaust movies offer crucial insights into humanity's darkest moments while illuminating moments of hope and bravery amidst adversity. Through their intricate narratives, remarkable character depth, visual artistry, and thematic richness, these films are invaluable resources for understanding history at its most tragic yet resilient junctures. 

  • Schindler's List
    1

    Schindler's List

    Liam Neeson, Ben Kingsley, Ralph Fiennes
    1,149 votes

    For Fans Of: Historical Drama, War, Biography
    Reasons to Watch if You're Interested in The Holocaust: This masterpiece directed by Steven Spielberg tells the true story of Oskar Schindler, a German businessman who saved over 1,000 Polish Jews during World War II by employing them in his factories. The film expertly balances the horror and tragedy of the Holocaust with human resilience and hope, offering viewers an emotional and educational experience that illuminates this dark chapter in history.

    Schindler's List, a poignant war drama directed by Steven Spielberg, unfolds through the life of Oskar Schindler (Liam Neeson), an unlikely hero during the Holocaust. In Nazi-occupied Poland, businessman Schindler becomes an unexpected savior, employing Jews in his factories to spare them from concentration camps. Stern (Ben Kingsley), his accountant, and Goeth (Ralph Fiennes), a sadistic camp commandant, play significant roles in this stark narrative. The film won seven Academy Awards including Best Picture and Best Director. It's a gripping account of humanity's resilience amidst the darkest times.
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  • The Pianist
    2

    The Pianist

    Adrien Brody, Thomas Kretschmann, Frank Finlay
    893 votes

    For Fans Of: Biography, War, Drama
    Reasons to Watch if You're Interested in The Holocaust: Based on the autobiography of Jewish-Polish musician Władysław Szpilman, this film showcases the power of music and the strength of the human spirit amidst unimaginable adversity. Directed by Roman Polanski (himself a Holocaust survivor), The Pianist paints a harrowing yet compelling portrait of determination, courage, and survival during one of history's most devastating genocides.

    The Pianist, a historical drama, traces the harrowing journey of Wladyslaw Szpilman (Adrien Brody), a gifted Jewish pianist living in Warsaw during World War II. As Nazi forces take over Poland, Szpilman struggles to survive in the ravaged city. Directed by Roman Polanski, this gripping narrative is a testament to human endurance amidst war's devastation. The film won three Academy Awards - Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Actor for Brody's heart-wrenching portrayal of Szpilman. The Pianist paints an unforgettable image of wartime terror and resilience through its poignant storytelling and powerful performances.
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  • The Boy in the Striped Pajamas
    3

    The Boy in the Striped Pajamas

    David Thewlis, Vera Farmiga, Rupert Friend
    908 votes

    For Fans Of: War, Drama, Historical Fiction
    Reasons to Watch if You're Interested in The Holocaust: Through its heartbreaking exploration of innocence lost amid unthinkable cruelty, The Boy in the Striped Pajamas highlights the devastating impact of wartime division on individuals - particularly children - caught between opposing ideologies. With its striking juxtaposition between childhood friendship and unspeakable horrors perpetrated mere yards away, this film serves as both a poignant reminder and warning of what can happen when fear and prejudice are allowed to run rampant.

    Set during World War II, The Boy in the Striped Pajamas unfolds through the innocent eyes of Bruno (Asa Butterfield), an eight-year-old boy. The son of a Nazi commandant (David Thewlis), Bruno's life takes an unexpected turn when his family moves from bustling Berlin to a desolate countryside. Here, he befriends Shmuel (Jack Scanlon), a boy his age, behind the barbed wires of a concentration camp. Directed by Mark Herman and based on John Boyne's novel, this drama explores friendship amidst war's brutality.
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  • Escape from Sobibor
    4

    Escape from Sobibor

    Alan Arkin, Rutger Hauer, Joanna Pacula
    279 votes

    For Fans Of: War, Drama, Thriller
    Reasons to Watch if You're Interested in The Holocaust: This gripping story revolves around a daring escape plan orchestrated by prisoners at the infamous Nazi extermination camp, Sobibor. As an inspiring tale of resistance against all odds, Escape from Sobibor provides a powerful testament to the indomitable willpower and bravery exhibited by inmates determined not just to endure but also defy their captors in one of history's darkest moments.

    During the height of World War II, members of a resistance movement within the Sobibor concentration camp attempt a daring uprising and escape. As the underground group, including Alexander Pechersky (Rutger Hauer) and Leon Feldhendler (Alan Arkin), devise a plan, they must contend with Nazi officers, Ukranian guards and the realization that anyone apprehended will likely be killed. Initially plotting for a few people to escape, they eventually decide that all 600 prisoners must break out.
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  • The Diary of Anne Frank
    5

    The Diary of Anne Frank

    Millie Perkins, Joseph Schildkraut, Shelley Winters
    481 votes

    For Fans Of: Biography, War, Drama
    Reasons to Watch if You're Interested in The Holocaust: This classic adaptation brings to life the true story of Anne Frank, a Jewish teenager who chronicled her family's experience hiding from the Nazis in a secret annex during World War II. As it delves into themes such as hope, courage, and the power of the human spirit, The Diary of Anne Frank affords viewers an intimate look at how ordinary people found extraordinary strength amid terror and persecution.

    In Nazi-occupied Holland in World War II, shopkeeper Kraler hides two Jewish families in his attic. Young Anne Frank (Millie Perkins) keeps a diary of everyday life for the Franks and the Van Daans, chronicling the Nazi threat as well as family dynamics. A romance with Peter Van Daan causes jealousy between Anne and her sister, Margot. Otto Frank (Joseph Schildkraut) returns to the attic many years after the eventual capture of both families and finds his late daughter's diary.
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  • Defiance
    6

    Defiance

    Daniel Craig, Liev Schreiber, Jamie Bell
    398 votes

    For Fans Of: War, Action, History
    Reasons to Watch if You're Interested in The Holocaust: Based on another incredible true story, Defiance follows four brothers who escape Nazi-occupied Eastern Europe and form a band of resistance fighters determined to protect other Jewish refugees. With its gripping portrayal of defiance against overwhelming odds, this film serves as both an engaging historical drama and a stirring tribute to those who fought back against tyranny in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges.

    In 1941, Nazi soldiers are slaughtering Eastern European Jews by the thousands. Three brothers, Tuvia (Daniel Craig), Zus (Liev Schreiber) and Asael (Jamie Bell), manage to escape and take refuge in the forest where they played in childhood. Seeking a way to avenge the deaths of their loved ones, the brothers turn their daily struggle for survival into a battle against the Nazis. As news of their exploits spreads, others join the fray, willing to risk their lives for even brief freedom.
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  • Life Is Beautiful
    7

    Life Is Beautiful

    Roberto Benigni, Nicoletta Braschi, Giorgio Cantarini
    600 votes

    For Fans Of: Drama, War, Comedy
    Reasons to Watch if You're Interested in The Holocaust: This Academy Award-winning film blends humor and heartbreak as it tells the tale of a father using his imagination to shield his son from the grim reality within a Nazi concentration camp. Using laughter as a means of survival and resistance, Life Is Beautiful showcases humanity's capacity for love and resilience even amidst unfathomable suffering.

    In the heart-warming yet poignant film Life is Beautiful, Guido Orefice (Roberto Benigni) is an Italian Jewish bookshop owner. He employs his fertile imagination to shield his son, Giosué (Giorgio Cantarini), from the horrors of internment in a Nazi concentration camp. The movie, a unique blend of comedy and drama, bagged three Academy Awards. It weaves a tale of resilience and love against the grim backdrop of World War II. Its endearing characters and compelling narrative make it an unforgettable cinematic experience.
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  • Playing for Time
    8

    Playing for Time

    Vanessa Redgrave, Christine Baranski, Maud Adams
    149 votes

    For Fans Of: Drama, Music, War
    Reasons to Watch if You're Interested in The Holocaust: This powerful drama centers on a group of female prisoners who use their musical talents to temporarily stave off death at the hands of their Nazi captors. As they perform for time and survival, Playing for Time poignantly demonstrates the resilience of both artistry and the human spirit in even the most dire circumstances.

    Playing For Time is a 1980 CBS television film, written by Arthur Miller and Fania Fénelon, based on Fénelon's autobiography, The Musicians of Auschwitz. Vanessa Redgrave stars as acclaimed musician Fania Fénelon. Playing For Time was based on Fénelon's experience as a female prisoner in the Auschwitz concentration camp, where she and a group of classical musicians were spared in return for performing music for their captors. The film was also adapted as a play by Arthur Miller. This was the last film of Daniel Mann, who co-directed with Joseph Sargent.
  • Judgment at Nuremberg
    9

    Judgment at Nuremberg

    Spencer Tracy, Burt Lancaster, Richard Widmark
    268 votes

    For Fans Of: Drama, War, Legal
    Reasons to Watch if You're Interested in The Holocaust: Focused on the post-World War II trials that brought many Nazi war criminals to justice, this movie explores the moral complexities involved in seeking retribution for unfathomable atrocities. With its stellar cast and engrossing courtroom scenes, Judgment at Nuremberg provides a riveting examination of accountability and humanity's struggle with morality in times of conflict.

    In 1947, four German judges who served on the bench during the Nazi regime face a military tribunal to answer charges of crimes against humanity. Chief Justice Haywood (Spencer Tracy) hears evidence and testimony not only from lead defendant Ernst Janning (Burt Lancaster) and his defense attorney Hans Rolfe (Maximilian Schell), but also from the widow of a Nazi general (Marlene Dietrich), an idealistic U.S. Army captain (William Shatner) and reluctant witness Irene Wallner (Judy Garland).
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  • The Book Thief
    10

    The Book Thief

    Geoffrey Rush, Emily Watson, Sophie Nélisse
    272 votes

    For Fans Of: Drama, War, History
    Reasons to Watch if You're Interested in The Holocaust: Set against the backdrop of Nazi Germany, this movie adaptation follows young Liesel Meminger as she discovers solace in stolen books while grappling with loss, grief, and life under oppressive rule. The Book Thief offers rich insight into how literature can serve as both an escape from and coping mechanism for adversity during dark times.

    In 1938, young orphan Liesel (Sophie Nélisse) arrives at the home of her new foster parents, Hans (Geoffrey Rush) and Rosa (Emily Watson). When Hans, a kindly housepainter, learns that Liesel cannot read, he teaches the child the wonders of the written language. Liesel grows to love books, even rescuing one from a Nazi bonfire. Though Liesel's new family barely scrape by, their situation becomes even more precarious when they secretly shelter a Jewish boy whose father once saved Hans' life.
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  • Sophie's Choice
    11

    Sophie's Choice

    Meryl Streep, Kevin Kline, Peter MacNicol
    324 votes

    For Fans Of: Drama, Romance, War
    Reasons to Watch if You're Interested in The Holocaust: Starring Meryl Streep in a powerful and heart-wrenching performance, Sophie's Choice tells the story of a Holocaust survivor who is forced to confront her past and the unspeakable choice she made while imprisoned in Auschwitz. Through its emotionally-charged narrative, this film highlights both the long-lasting psychological trauma faced by survivors and the impossible decisions they were often confronted with during the darkest moments of their lives.

    Sophie's Choice is a gripping drama set against the backdrop of post-World War II Brooklyn. The film stars the indomitable Meryl Streep as Sophie, a Polish immigrant with a haunting past, alongside Kevin Kline in his breakout role as Nathan, her mercurial lover. The plot intricately weaves Sophie's harrowing Holocaust experiences with her tempestuous love affair, leading to an unforgettable climax. Directed by Alan J. Pakula, this critically acclaimed movie earned Streep an Academy Award for Best Actress. A masterclass in storytelling and character development, Sophie's Choice is a poignant exploration of survival, guilt, and love.
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  • Woman in Gold
    12

    Woman in Gold

    Helen Mirren, Ryan Reynolds, Daniel Brühl
    152 votes

    For Fans Of: Drama, History, Biography
    Reasons to Watch if You're Interested in The Holocaust: By exploring one woman's fight to reclaim stolen artwork that once belonged to her family, Woman in Gold offers an intriguing look at how Nazi looting continues to impact survivors even decades after World War II has ended. With its captivating combination of historical drama and legal thriller elements, this film provides compelling insight into complex issues surrounding justice, memory, and cultural restitution.

    Sixty years after fleeing Vienna, Maria Altmann (Helen Mirren), an elderly Jewish woman, attempts to reclaim family possessions that were seized by the Nazis. Among them is a famous portrait of Maria's beloved Aunt Adele: Gustave Klimt's "Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer I." With the help of young lawyer Randy Schoeberg (Ryan Reynolds), Maria embarks upon a lengthy legal battle to recover this painting and several others, but it will not be easy, for Austria considers them national treasures.
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  • Uprising
    13

    Uprising

    Jon Voight, Hank Azaria, Donald Sutherland
    101 votes

    For Fans Of: War, Drama, History
    Reasons to Watch if You're Interested in The Holocaust: This gripping miniseries revolves around the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising – a riveting act of Jewish resistance against Nazi oppression that took place within one of history's most notorious ghettos. Through its vivid depiction of courage under fire, Uprising shines a light on lesser-known acts of heroism that occurred amid unthinkable circumstances.

    Uprising is a 2001 war/drama television movie about the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising. The film was directed by Jon Avnet and written by Avnet and Paul Brickman. It was filmed in multiple locations, including Bratislava, Slovakia and Innsbruck in Tyrol, Austria. The film's soundtrack was the last film score composed by Maurice Jarre, and prominently features the work of Max Bruch, including his Violin Concerto No. 1 during the opening sequence.
  • Conspiracy
    14

    Conspiracy

    Kenneth Branagh, Stanley Tucci, David Threlfall
    72 votes

    For Fans Of: War, Drama, History
    Reasons to Watch if You're Interested in The Holocaust: Offering a chilling glimpse into the minds of those responsible for orchestrating the Holocaust, Conspiracy is a haunting dramatization of the infamous Wannsee Conference – where high-ranking Nazi officials convened to discuss and implement their "Final Solution." With its intense performances and unsettling portrayal of cold calculation, this film serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by unchecked power and extremist ideologies.

    In January 1942, as the United States enters World War II, a conference assembles near Berlin. SS Gen. Heydrich (Kenneth Branagh) and his associate, Lt. Eichmann (Stanley Tucci) call the meeting to discuss the "evacuation" of Germany's Jews and other undesirables, a code word for their extermination in concentration camps. To begin this Final Solution, they must change the mind of a small group of men opposed to the idea, led by Chancellor Kritzinger (David Threlfall).
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  • Jacob the Liar
    15

    Jacob the Liar

    Vlastimil Brodský, Erwin Geschonneck, Manuela Simon
    173 votes

    For Fans Of: Comedy, Drama, War
    Reasons to Watch if You're Interested in The Holocaust: Starring Robin Williams as a Jewish man trapped inside a Nazi-occupied Polish ghetto, Jacob the Liar explores themes of hope and humanity through one man's determination to spread false but uplifting news among his fellow prisoners. This emotionally-charged tale emphasizes the importance of maintaining faith, even when faced with unimaginable hardships.

    Based on the lauded novel by Jurek Becker, this dark comedy focuses on Jakob Heym (Vlastimil Brodský), a Jew living in a Polish ghetto. When Jakob is temporarily detained by German officers and overhears news on their radio that the Russians are advancing on Nazi forces, he is thrilled at the prospect of freedom. In order to convince others of the news, Jakob pretends that he has a radio of his own -- a serious crime in the ghetto -- and begins making up stories to maintain his deception.
  • Resistance
    16

    Resistance

    Jesse Eisenberg, Ed Harris, Edgar Ramírez
    59 votes

    For Fans Of: War, Biography, History
    Reasons to Watch if You're Interested in The Holocaust: Featuring Jesse Eisenberg as celebrated French mime artist Marcel Marceau before he became famous, Resistance follows Marceau's involvement in aiding Jewish orphans during World War II – showcasing yet another example of individuals who risked their lives for others amidst unimaginable danger. This inspiring tale demonstrates that even ordinary people can become heroes during extraordinary times.

    Before he becomes world-famous mime Marcel Marceau, aspiring Jewish actor Marcel Mangel joins the French Resistance to save thousands of orphaned children from the Nazis.
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  • The Reader
    17

    The Reader

    Kate Winslet, Ralph Fiennes, David Kross
    236 votes

    For Fans Of: Drama, Romance, War
    Reasons to Watch if You're Interested in The Holocaust: Exploring themes related to guilt, responsibility, and the burden of history, The Reader revolves around a post-war love affair between a young man and an older woman with a dark secret tied to her involvement in Nazi war crimes. This emotionally-complex drama raises questions about forgiveness, redemption, and society's obligation to remember the atrocities committed during the Holocaust.

    Michael Berg (David Kross), a teen in postwar Germany, begins a passionate but clandestine affair with Hanna Schmitz (Kate Winslet), an older woman who enjoys having classic novels read to her. Then Hanna mysteriously disappears, leaving Michael heartbroken and confused. Years later, Michael, now a law student, gets the shock of his life when he sees Hanna on trial for Nazi war crimes.
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  • Inglourious Basterds
    18

    Inglourious Basterds

    Brad Pitt, Mélanie Laurent, Christoph Waltz
    171 votes

    For Fans Of: War, Action, Drama
    Reasons to Watch if You're Interested in The Holocaust: Quentin Tarantino's stylized take on World War II offers viewers an alternate history filled with dark humor, brutal action sequences, and unforgettable characters – all while centering around a plot to assassinate Adolf Hitler. While not strictly based on historical events, Inglourious Basterds touches on themes related to resistance, revenge, and justice against those responsible for the horrors of the Holocaust.

    Set against the backdrop of World War II, Inglourious Basterds is a compelling tale about two plots to assassinate Nazi Germany's political leadership. The first plot involves Lieutenant Aldo Raine (Brad Pitt), who leads a group of Jewish-American soldiers known as the Basterds, on a mission to kill Nazis in gruesome ways. Parallel to this, Shosanna Dreyfus (Mélanie Laurent), a French-Jewish cinema proprietor, prepares her own scheme for revenge. Directed by Quentin Tarantino, this film won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor (Christoph Waltz). It's an intriguing blend of history and fiction, filled with Tarantino's signature humor and violence.
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  • The Devil's Arithmetic
    19

    The Devil's Arithmetic

    Kirsten Dunst, Brittany Murphy, Paul Freeman
    126 votes

    For Fans Of: War, Drama, Fantasy
    Reasons to Watch if You're Interested in The Holocaust: In this thought-provoking drama, a modern-day teenager is transported back in time to experience life as a Jewish prisoner during World War II, ultimately gaining a deeper understanding of her family's history and heritage. Offering a unique perspective on the horrors of the Holocaust through its use of magical realism, The Devil's Arithmetic serves as an accessible and powerful reminder of the importance of remembering and honoring those who suffered.

    Hannah Stern (Kirsten Dunst), an American-born Jewish adolescent, is uninterested in the culture, faith and customs of her relatives; however, Hannah begins to revaluate her heritage when she has a supernatural experience that transports her back to a Nazi death camp in 1941. There, she meets a young girl named Rivkah (Brittany Murphy), a fellow captive in the camp. As Rivkah and Hannah struggle to survive in the face of daily atrocities, they form an unbreakable bond.
  • The Zookeeper's Wife
    20

    The Zookeeper's Wife

    Jessica Chastain, Johan Heldenbergh, Michael McElhatton
    100 votes

    For Fans Of: War, Biography, Drama
    Reasons to Watch if You're Interested in The Holocaust: Based on the true story of a Polish couple who rescued hundreds of Jews by hiding them in their zoo, The Zookeeper's Wife showcases the power of compassion and courage in overcoming fear and prejudice. With its unique setting and heartrending narrative, this film shines a light on yet another remarkable act of heroism occurring within World War II's darkest hours.

    The time is 1939 and the place is Poland, homeland of Antonina Zabinski and her husband, Dr. Jan Zabinski. The Warsaw Zoo flourishes under Jan's stewardship and Antonina's care. When their country is invaded by the Nazis, Jan and Antonina are forced to report to the Reich's newly appointed chief zoologist, Lutz Heck. The Zabinskis covertly begin working with the Resistance and put into action plans to save the lives of hundreds from what has become the Warsaw Ghetto.
  • Son of Saul
    21

    Son of Saul

    Géza Röhrig
    141 votes

    For Fans Of: War, Drama, History
    Reasons to Watch if You're Interested in The Holocaust: An intense and immersive exploration of the Auschwitz concentration camp, Son of Saul follows a Hungarian prisoner as he attempts to provide a proper burial for a young boy he believes to be his son. With its innovative cinematography and unflinching portrayal of brutality, this harrowing film offers an unparalleled perspective on one man's struggle for dignity and humanity amid unimaginable suffering.

    During World War II, a Jewish worker (Géza Röhrig) at the Auschwitz concentration camp tries to find a rabbi to give a child a proper burial.
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  • Europa Europa
    22

    Europa Europa

    Julie Delpy, Hanns Zischler, Marco Hofschneider
    142 votes

    For Fans Of: War, Drama, Biography
    Reasons to Watch if You're Interested in The Holocaust: This compelling tale is based on the true story of Solomon Perel, a Jewish teenager who survived the Holocaust by posing as a non-Jewish German orphan and joining the Hitler Youth. Through its examination of identity, survival, and the blurred lines between good and evil during wartime, Europa Europa provides viewers with an engrossing portrait of resilience under extreme circumstances.

    Europa Europa is a 1990 film directed by Agnieszka Holland. Its original German title is Hitlerjunge Salomon, i.e. "Hitler Youth Salomon". It is based on the 1989 autobiography of Solomon Perel, a German Jewish boy who escaped the Holocaust by masquerading not just as a non-Jew, but as an elite "Aryan" German. The film stars Marco Hofschneider as Perel; Perel appears briefly as himself in the finale. The film is an international co-production between CCC Film and companies in France and Poland.
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  • The Monuments Men
    23

    The Monuments Men

    George Clooney, Matt Damon, Bill Murray
    86 votes

    For Fans Of: War, History, Drama
    Reasons to Watch if You're Interested in The Holocaust: By shedding light on the little-known efforts undertaken by art historians and preservationists to save stolen artwork from Nazi destruction during World War II, The Monuments Men highlights yet another facet of human determination amidst chaos. With its ensemble cast and thrilling narrative, this film underscores the importance of preserving culture even during history's most devastating conflicts.

    During World War II, the Nazis steal countless pieces of art and hide them away. Some over-the-hill art scholars, historians, architects and other experts form a unit to retrieve as many of the stolen masterpieces as possible. The mission becomes even more urgent when the team learns about Hitler's "Nero Decree," which orders destruction of the artworks if the Third Reich falls. Caught in a race against time, the men risk their lives to protect some of mankind's greatest achievements.
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  • The Grey Zone
    24

    The Grey Zone

    David Arquette, Daniel Benzali, Steve Buscemi
    126 votes

    For Fans Of: War, Drama, History
    Reasons to Watch if You're Interested in The Holocaust: Set within Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp, The Grey Zone tells the harrowing story of Jewish prisoners recruited to work for their Nazi captors in exchange for temporary reprieve from death. As they navigate moral ambiguity and face life-or-death decisions, this bleak film highlights the capacity for both hope and despair even amid humanity's darkest moments.

    Based on actual events, "The Grey Zone" is the staggeringly powerful story of the Auschwitz's twelfth Sonderkommando -- one of the thirteen consecutive "Special Squads" of Jewish prisoners placed by the Nazis in the excruciating moral dilemma of helping to exterminate fellow Jews in exchange for a few more months of life. From inside the working organs of the infamous Auschwitz death camp, this film asks to what terrible lengths we are willing to go to save our own lives.
  • Forgiving Dr. Mengele
    25

    For Fans Of: Documentary, War, History
    Reasons to Watch if You're Interested in The Holocaust: This compelling documentary follows Eva Mozes Kor, a Holocaust survivor and twin sister subjected to horrifying medical experiments by infamous Auschwitz physician Dr. Josef Mengele, as she grapples with forgiveness and reconciliation. By examining one woman's journey towards healing, Forgiving Dr. Mengele serves as a powerful meditation on the complexity of forgiveness in the aftermath of unimaginable trauma.

    Eva Mozes Kor is a Holocaust survivor who, along with her twin sister, endured horrible medical experiments at the hands of Nazi doctors at Auschwitz. She makes a courageous but controversial decision to heal her wounded spirit by forgiving those who tortured her so long ago.
  • Valkyrie
    26

    Valkyrie

    Tom Cruise, Kenneth Branagh, Bill Nighy
    105 votes

    For Fans Of: War, Drama, History
    Reasons to Watch if You're Interested in The Holocaust: Based on actual events surrounding Operation Valkyrie – an assassination attempt against Adolf Hitler led by German resistance members – this movie delves into the complicated and dangerous world of political intrigue during Nazi rule. Featuring a star-studded cast, Valkyrie offers insight into the lesser-known efforts of those who sought to undermine Hitler's regime from within.

    In the gripping historical thriller Valkyrie, Colonel Claus von Stauffenberg (Tom Cruise) navigates the treacherous landscape of WWII Germany. As a part of the German Resistance, he orchestrates a daring plot to assassinate Adolf Hitler and overthrow his Nazi regime. Alongside him are seasoned conspirators General Friedrich Olbricht (Bill Nighy) and Major General Henning von Tresckow (Kenneth Branagh). As tension ratchets up, the fate of millions hangs in the balance. The film delves into the labyrinthine corridors of power, painting a vivid picture of courage against tyranny. It's a tangled web of intrigue and valor, where every decision could mean life or death.
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  • Surviving With Wolves
    27

    Surviving With Wolves

    Mathilde Goffart, Yaël Abecassis, Guy Bedos
    177 votes

    For Fans Of: War, Adventure, Biography
    Reasons to Watch if You're Interested in The Holocaust: Based on an incredible true story, Surviving With Wolves chronicles a young girl's journey across war-torn Europe as she seeks refuge from Nazi persecution with only a pack of wolves as her protectors. This poignant tale serves as both an inspiring testament to human resilience and an unforgettable examination of survival instincts during times of extreme adversity.

  • Out of the Ashes
    28

    Out of the Ashes

    Christine Lahti, Bruce Davison, Jonathan Cake
    35 votes

    For Fans Of: War, Biography, Drama
    Reasons to Watch if You're Interested in The Holocaust: This moving biographical drama centers on Dr. Gisella Perl, a Hungarian Jew who overcame unspeakable horrors while imprisoned at Auschwitz before going on to become a pioneering gynecologist in the United States. Out of the Ashes serves as a triumphant testament to the power of perseverance and the indomitable human spirit.

    After surviving the Holocaust, Dr. Gisella Perl (Christine Lahti) recounts her story of helping fellow Jews in a concentration camp.
  • Enemies, A Love Story
    29

    Enemies, A Love Story

    Ron Silver, Anjelica Huston, Lena Olin
    20 votes

    For Fans Of: Romance, War, Comedy
    Reasons to Watch if You're Interested in The Holocaust: This complex romantic drama delves into the tangled emotional lives of Holocaust survivors attempting to rebuild relationships and find love amid the lasting trauma of their experiences. Enemies, A Love Story offers an intimate exploration of the personal struggles faced by those grappling with the aftermath of war and loss.

    Herman Broder (Ron Silver), a Holocaust survivor living in New York City and struggling with depression after his ordeals in the war, makes his living ghostwriting for a rabbi. Herman is married to Yadwiga (Margaret Sophie Stein) but is also having an affair with Masha (Lena Olin), a married woman. Things grow even more chaotic when Herman's first wife, Tamara (Anjelica Huston), who he thought had died in the war, shows up in New York as well. Based on the novel by Isaac Bashevis Singer.
  • Naked Among Wolves
    30

    Naked Among Wolves

    Armin Mueller-Stahl, Erwin Geschonneck, Gerry Wolff
    84 votes

    For Fans Of: War, History, Drama
    Reasons to Watch if You're Interested in The Holocaust: Depicting a group of prisoners at Buchenwald concentration camp who risk their lives to protect a young boy, Naked Among Wolves is an adaptation of a true story that underscores selflessness and humanity even in the most dire circumstances. This film offers viewers a powerful look at the lengths individuals will go to shield innocence amid widespread depravity.

    Naked Among Wolves is a 1963 East German film directed by Frank Beyer and starring Erwin Geschonneck and Armin Mueller-Stahl. The film is based on author Bruno Apitz's 1958 novel by the same name.